Interactive image activation and distribution system and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A method for distributing a digital image of a customer includes receiving a request from a customer to a human representative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the “roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request. The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request is received from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the image is transmitted from the remote processor to the customer&#39;s communication device. If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction is finalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the final image is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to the photographer for the transaction. In another embodiment, the cost is at least partially subsidized by advertisement pushed to the customer&#39;s communication device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/691,583, filed Mar. 27, 2007, which itself is a continuation-in-partof application Ser. No. 11/279,642, filed Apr. 13, 2006, which claimedpriority to provisional application Serial No. 60/671,928, filed onApril 15, 2005.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to photographing systems andmethods, and, in particular, to such systems and methods for ordering,activating, and distributing digital images to a customer.

BACKGROUND

The sale of photographs taken by a photographer of a customer of, forexample, a theme park, cruise, or other event where there are largevolumes of people present is known in the art. This system has inherentinefficiencies, in that the photographer typically prints many morephotographs than are ultimately sold, and the sale is dependent upon thecustomer's viewing and agreeing to purchase the photograph displayedafter the event, thereby losing any momentum caused by the excitement ofthe moment.

An additional problem with known systems is that panoramic photographicimages, which may comprise, for example, still or video images, aretypically not possible when taken by a photographer close to thecustomer, nor images taken from a distance or height.

Further, a customer may desire a photograph to be taken at a time when aphotographer is not in the vicinity.

Another particular difficulty with photography in general is that thereis no really viable system available wherein the photographerhim/herself can be in the picture. Personal camera equipment istypically not sufficiently sophisticated to produce a good product, andextra equipment, such as tripods, must be hauled along to accomplishself-photos. In the realm of videography, there is no known way to filmoneself wherein the camera moves. Further, the skill of the individualis typically lacking, and good amateur photographs are rare.

An additional difficulty at present is that there is no known way for aprofessional photographer to photograph a person at a location anddistribute to a plurality of other people simultaneously andcontemporaneously for a fee, the photograph being of much higher qualitythan would be possible using, for example, a cellular telephone or othersuch device.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide systems and methods for moreefficiently capturing and delivering photographic and/or video images toa customer on demand, with the capability of remote ordering andpayment, in some embodiments upon viewing a preview of the image withthe use of a personal communication device. It would also be desirableto provide systems and methods wherein the customer him/herself can be asubject of the image. It would be additionally desirable to providesystems and methods for distributing images simultaneously andcontemporaneously to a plurality of persons other than the image subjectas well as to the image subject him/herself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in one aspect is directed to a method fordistributing a digital image of a customer. The method comprises thestep of receiving a request from a customer for an image to be taken ofthe customer at a site. The request can be received, for example, via aremote signal from a customer's communication device. Payment data areobtained from the customer, and a location of the site is determined.

The request is relayed to a remote imaging device that is positioned toimage the customer at the site. An image is automatically captured ofthe customer at the site, and the image is relayed as a proof image tothe customer's communication device. Finally, if the image is desired bythe customer, an approval is received from the customer to purchase theimage.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for distributing a digitalimage of a customer comprises the step of relaying a request from acustomer to a human representative for an image to be taken of thecustomer at a site. Payment data are obtained from the customer, and alocation of the site is determined. A command is received at a remoteimaging device to image the customer at the site, and an image isautomatically captured of customer at the site.

A further aspect of the invention is directed to a system fordistributing a digital image of a customer. In this embodiment thesystem comprises a customer data receiver for receiving a request from acustomer for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. The requestis receivable via a signal from a customer's communication device. Thereceiver is also provided for obtaining payment data from the customer.

Means are provided for determining a location of the site. A remoteimaging device is positioned to image the customer at the site andincludes a receiver. A transmitter is in signal communication with thecustomer data receiver, the location determining means, and the remoteimaging device receiver. The transmitter is useful for relaying therequest to the remote imaging device and for signaling the remoteimaging device to automatically capture an image of the customer at thesite.

An image transmitter is in signal communication with the remote imagingdevice and is adapted to relay the image as a proof image to thecustomer's communication device. The customer data receiver is furtheradapted to receive an approval from the customer to purchase the image.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system fordistributing a digital image of a customer. The system comprises arepresentative communication device for receiving a request from acustomer for an image to be taken of the customer at a site. The requestis receivable via a signal from a customer communication device to ahuman representative. The representative communication device is alsouseful for obtaining payment data from the customer.

Means are provided for determining a location of the site. A remoteimaging device is positioned to image the customer at the site andincludes a receiver. A transmitter is in signal communication with therepresentative communication device, the location determining means, andthe remote imaging device receiver. The transmitter is useful forrelaying the request to the remote imaging device and for signaling theremote imaging device to automatically capture an image of the customerat the site.

An additional aspect of the invention is directed to a method fordistributing a digital image of a customer. This embodiment comprisesthe step of receiving a request from a customer to a humanrepresentative (i.e., a “roving” photographer) for an image to be takenof the customer at a site. An image of the customer is captured by the“roving” photographer at the site in response to the received request.The image is transmitted to a remote processor. An electronic request isreceived from the customer to view the transmitted image, and the imageis transmitted from the remote processor to the customer's communicationdevice.

If the customer decides to purchase the image, a transaction isfinalized by receiving payment data from the customer, and the finalimage is provided to the customer. A commission is then paid to thephotographer for the transaction.

In another sub-embodiment of this method, the transaction is at leastpartially subsidized by an advertisement that is sent to the customer'scommunication device.

The features that characterize the invention, both as to organizationand method of operation, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, will be better understood from the following description usedin conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is to be expresslyunderstood that the drawing is for the purpose of illustration anddescription and is not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention. These and other objects attained, and advantages offered, bythe present invention will become more fully apparent as the descriptionthat now follows is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIGS. 1A-1B is a flowchart of exemplary methods of the present inventionfor providing an image to a customer.

FIG. 2 is a system schematic of the embodiment of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for an embodiment of the invention for use at astadium.

FIG. 4 is a system schematic of the method of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for an embodiment of the invention for use whenthe customer is in motion.

FIG. 6 is a system schematic of the method of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for an embodiment of the invention for use whenthe customer is in a conveyance.

FIG. 8 is a system schematic of the method of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for an embodiment of the invention for use with a“roving” photographer.

FIG. 10 is a system schematic for the method of FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11A-B is a flowchart for another embodiment of the invention witha “roving” photographer.

FIG. 12 is a system schematic for the method of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention willnow be presented with reference to FIGS. 1A-12.

The present invention in one aspect is directed to a system 10 andmethod 100 for distributing a digital image of a customer (FIGS. 1A-1Band 2). The method 100 comprises the step of receiving a request from acustomer 11 for an image to be taken of the customer at a site 12 (block101). The request can be received, for example, via a remote signal froma customer's communication device 13, for example, a cellular telephone,computer, or personal data assistant. Two exemplary embodiments arecentered about the mode of receiving the request from the customer 11(block 102). In one embodiment, the request is received and processedautomatically with the use of a processor 14 at a remote location 15 andmediated by software 16 for carrying out the processor method steps(block 103). In this embodiment, the data can be transmitted from thecustomer 11 using the communication device 13 in ways known in the art,such as, but not intended to be limited to, voice recognition, keystrokeentry, or tablet handwriting recognition.

Another mode of receiving the request comprises establishing a humanrepresentative 17 at the remote location 15. In this mode, thecustomer's request is received by the human representative 17 for animage to be taken of the customer 11 at a site 12 (block 104).

In either data-receipt mode, payment data are obtained from the customer(block 105), and a location of the site is determined (block 106).

There is a plurality of methods of determining the location of the site,as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. For example, the sitelocation determining step can be accomplished by directly receivinginformation on the site location from the customer (block 107), such asby asking for an oral or keypad indicator of location. In a theme park,for example, various “photo-rich” sites could be established and labeledas such, with indicia adjacent the site indicative of the site location.In a non-contained environment, such as a city, a printed or recordedtravel guide could be provided to the customer prior to arrival withsights to see, each having an identifier associated therewith (“If youare at the Eiffel Tower, press 506.”). The travel guide could, forexample, be provided over the Internet, and could include pictures ofthe sights and the associated photo-rich sites to enable the customer tofind them easily. Such a travel guide could be provided at a containedenvironment as well, such as at entry. Obtaining the travel guide couldbe interactive, with selections enabled to tailor for customer interests(e.g., museums, panoramic views, animals, etc.). The travel guide couldalso be provided on site via the customer's communication device, whichcould operate similar to such devices as known for use at museums,wherein a depressing of a number on the device's keypad can produce alecture on the site being visited (“For information on the Eiffel Tower,please press 507.”).

Another method of site location determination comprises electronicallydetermining the site location from position data automaticallyascertained from the customer's communication device 13 (block 108).This method can be accomplished, for example, using global positioningsystem 18 data obtained from a position of the communication device 13.Similarly, a site may have located therein a sending device that, wheninitiated from a receiver that is ready for this purpose, a message issent to the customer's communication device 13 that they are in alocation equipped with an imaging device 22 and that a photo opportunityis available.

Yet a further method of site location determination is accomplished withthe use of a characteristic of the remote signal (block 109). One methodof accomplishing this can be wherein the remote signal comprises anelectronic contact initiated to one of a plurality of termini 19,20, theparticular terminus contacted determinative of the site location. Thus aunitary processor 14 could be used to receive requests from a pluralityof site locations 12,21, with a different telephone number provided foreach site location 12,21, the dialed number data determinative of theparticular site location 12 at which the customer 11 is currentlypositioned.

An additional method of site location determination is accomplished withthe use of the customer's camera telephone (block 121). In this method,when the customer arrives at a photo spot, along with a sponsor logo isprovided indicia, such as a barcode. The indicia can be photographed bythe customer with a camera feature on a telephone 13. The software 16receives the indicia and the calling telephone number via caller ID,identifies the customer via caller ID and the site from decoding theindicia. The customer is sent a text message with a link to activate thesite camera 22, and also provides any other information relating to thatsite. There may be provided a count-down feature with a display topermit the customer to pose for the photograph. The image is thencaptured, and the photograph is sent to the customer's telephone 13.

In any of the request modes, the request is relayed to a remote imagingdevice 22 that is positioned to image the customer 11 at the site 12(block 110). The imaging device 22, which may comprise, for example, adigital still or video camera, can be affixed, for example, in positionsfrom which it would be difficult for the customer 11 to obtain an imagehim/herself, with or without other members of a group, such as from agreat height or to provide a wide view.

An image is automatically captured of the customer 11 at the site 12(block 111). This automatic capturing can be subject to certainpredetermined conditions (block 112), as will be expanded upon furtherin the following, or can be substantially instantaneous, which is thecase to be considered at present. Under “substantially instantaneous” isintended to be subsumed the possibility that the customer 11 could orderan image from his/her communication device 13, and a “countdown” isissued over the communication device 13 so that the customer 11 can beadequately prepared in position for the image to be taken.

In one embodiment, the image can relayed as a proof image to thecustomer's communication device 13 or to another viewing device such asknown in the art (block 113). Preferably this image will be of lowresolution or having some marking or defect purposely imposed thereon toprevent the customer 13 from merely taking this image without makingpayment, and may have a feature of vanishing after a predetermined time.The proof image may also comprise a “preview” image that is capturedprior to final image capture. If the image is desired by the customer(block 114), an approval is received from the customer 11 to purchasethe image (block 115), and payment is processed (block 116). If thecustomer 11 declines to purchase the image (block 114), another attemptmay be made to capture an image (block 117), or the method may end(block 118).

Further, a code could be sent to the customer's telephone 13 to enable aprint device to fulfill a print order placed by the customer 11 over thetelephone 13 after receipt of the image. Alternatively, the photo sitecould be provided with a scanner that could read indicia lodged on thetelephone 13 to identify the customer 11 and enable an automatedimage-capture process.

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, the term “image” caninclude multiple forms, such as a digital still photograph or a video,and multiple imaging devices of multiple types and number can besituated at a particular location. The customer 11 can decide, uponagreeing to purchase the image (block 115), to include other features inthe image, for example, but not intended to be limited to, a manipulatedimage (block 119) that can comprise an enhanced image, such as achievedby editing the image to improve quality or adding indicia to the image.Further, a still image may comprise a plurality of images, and thecustomer may elect to purchase a collection of the plurality images as,for example, in a photo album. Additionally, the images may also includepreviously captured images of the site that are stored in the system andare not customer-specific, but may include, for example, panoramic viewsof a building or scenery, or views at different times of the day orseason. Verbiage such as a travelog may be added to such an album,gleaned from the locations that have been visited by the customer. Suchmanipulation and creation can be carried out under control of theprocessor 14 and software 15, with previously stored verbiage and imagesaccessible in a database 23 accessible by the processor 14.

In the case of a video, the manipulation can take the form of addingaudio and video data to the video, which could include previouslycreated audio and video data relating to the site location or audio datatransmitted by the customer 11, for example, via the communicationdevice 13. As with the photo album discussed above, an entire record ofa trip or portions thereof can be created from a combination ofcustomer-specific video and audio sections and prerecorded video andaudio material to result in a professional-quality “movie,” starring thecustomer. The audio provided by the customer can be, for example, acombination of ad libbed material and pre-written “script” materialprovided by the system purveyor.

Whatever form the final image takes, upon completion, the purchased itemis transmitted or made accessible to the customer 11 (block 120).Exemplary forms include, but are not intended to be limited to, a hardcopy (printed photograph, video, DVD, etc.) that can be sent to apredetermined location, a digital image can be electronically routed toa predetermined electronic address such as a computer 24 at thecustomer's residence or office 25, and an electronic address can beprovided for securing a digital image therefrom, for example, web-siteaccessibility for download to a device such as a personal media device,telephone or other viewing device.

As mentioned above, in certain embodiments of the method 130, conditionscan be put on the image capturing process when the customer 11 places anorder (block 131). Some conditions may concern timing, so that the imageis scheduled to be taken at a time stipulated in the timing condition(block 132), as in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Here thesystem 30 is installed for use in an enclosed, subdivided space such asa sports arena 31. In some ordering situations, if the customer uses acommunication device 13 that is known to the system 30, and isidentifiable via, for example, a caller ID-type function, the customer'spreviously stored data can be accessed. Such previously stored data mayinclude such items as name, billing information, and season ticket datafor correlating with a likelihood that the customer is attending aparticular arena event, and for accessing location information.

The system 30 comprises an imaging device 32 that is in signalcommunication with a processor 33, which may be situated at the arena 31or remote therefrom. For example, the imaging device 32 could besituated off-site from the event, such as on a structure 38 outside thearena property or in the air on a blimp 39. The processor 33 hasresident thereon control software 34, and site mapping data 35 areaccessible by the software 34. The imaging device 32 is mounted so as tobe movable responsive to the control software 34 to enable imaging thecustomer at a particular sub-area of the site 31.

In practice, once the customer 11 has placed an order (block 131) for animage to be captured, with additional data provided as to a particularevent (time/place; block 133), the customer's exact location isrequested, for example, as indicated by a seat number in the arena 31(block 134). The seat location is then mapped by the software 34 tocontrol parameters for the imaging device 32 (block 135), and, at thepredetermined time, the customer 11 can be notified, such as via thecommunication device 13, that an image is about to be captured (block136). If the present time is not acceptable (block 137), the capture canbe rescheduled (block 138); otherwise, the confirmation results in theimage capture process being initiated (block 139).

As part of the image capture process is included a feature for ensuringthat the imaging device 32 be aimed correctly. As will be understood byone of skill in the art, whatever mechanism 36 is used to point theimaging device 32, there is likely to be inherent drift and resultinginaccuracies in positioning. In order to correct for such imprecision,preferably the system 30 further comprises a marking standard 37, andpreferably a plurality of marking standards 37, positioned around thearena 31. Using techniques known in the art of image processing,software 40 resident on the processor 33 first locks in on the markingstandard 37 believed to be closest to the customer 11 (block 140) andperforms a self-correction algorithm to inform the mapping and controlsoftware 34 (block 141). The imaging device 32 is then moved undercontrol of the control software 34 to the newly calculated position(block 142), and the image is captured (block 143). The remainingprocessing and transmitting steps can be substantially as discussedabove.

In another embodiment 50,150 (FIGS. 5 and 6), the condition comprises acustomer positioning condition. For example, the customer 11 couldrequest (block 151) that the image be taken when the customer 11 reachesa particular location. In an example of an athletic event, the customer11 could be competing in a foot race having a finish line 51. Theimaging device 52 could be positioned so as to capture the customer'simage upon crossing the finish line. In a particular embodiment, thecustomer 11 could be wearing or carrying a transmitter 53 (block 152)such as known in the art. The customer 11 may also elect other persons56 to whom to send the image (block 153).

In order to make the process automatic and customer-specific,intermittent and continuous embodiments are provided (block 154). Forthe intermittent embodiment, the transmitter 53 is used to trigger theimaging device 52 when the finish line 51 is crossed (block 155). Asimilar process obtains for video, wherein a predetermined length ofvideo could be triggered to be captured upon receipt of the customer'ssignal, and could, in some embodiments, “lock on” to the customer inmotion, wherein the imaging device 52 is automatically movable underprocessor 54 control via a moving mechanism 55. Other modes ofrecognizing the customer 11 may also be contemplated by one of skill inthe art, such as, but not intended to be limited to, biometric means,such as facial recognition.

For the continuous embodiment (block 154), the imaging device 52 isoperating substantially continuously between two predetermined times(block 156), for example, in the case of a foot race, from a time priorto a shortest possible completion time to after a predetermined longestcompletion time. In this case, either after or during the event,customer recognition is performed (block 157) upon reaching thepredetermined position (e.g., the finish line 51), and the imagecontaining the customer 11 is mapped to the previously obtained customerdata (block 158). Remaining images are stored (block 159) in the eventthat, after the event, even those who have not pre-ordered could providetheir data and obtain an image later.

Since there may be an inherent delay in the initiation of video capturefrom the “start” signal, the capture delay can be compensated for byretaining a video sequence prior to the receipt of the signal. Thisdelay can be adjustable, if the event is repeatable and a substantiallyknown time period, or can be set at a predetermined amount, such as asecond or less. For example, if the target is in motion, and a capturesequence is initiated during the motion, the video sequence prior to thestart signal could include material desirable to the customer, and wouldthus be beneficial to retain and include in the clip provided. Inaddition, for manual capture, a time code could be sent from thecustomer communication device to inform the system of any delays thatmight be occurring because of traffic or other considerations.

The remaining processing and transmitting steps can be substantially asdiscussed above (block 160). In addition, if an option has beenexercised to send the image to friends (block 161), the image can betransmitted to them 56 as well (block 162), thereby adding not only wideand automatic distribution potential, but also eliciting an immediacy tothe transmission, since it can be substantially simultaneous with theevent and contemporaneous with the transmission to the entiredistribution group. The customer 11 can also be contacted within apredetermined time after the event and have the image displayed on thecommunication device 13 automatically, such as 15 minutes aftercompleting a marathon. Manipulation of the image can be automaticallyperformed suitable to the event as well, such as merging the image witha pre-recorded background or video clip (e.g., a sports-relatedcommercial, cheering crowds, etc.) This embodiment could be useful formany types of situations, such as, but not intended to be limited to,during skiing, rafting, or any other outdoor or indoor activity.

In yet another embodiment 70,170 (FIGS. 7 and 8), similar in some waysto the preceding one, the customer 11 can request that an image becaptured (block 171) while positioned in a conveyance 71, for example,an amusement ride or a carriage (block 172). The image capturing stepcould be, as above, intermittent or continuous. In the intermittentcase, the image capturing can be triggered by a transmitter 72 that inthis embodiment can be affixed to the conveyance 71 so that, when theconveyance 71 has reached a particular location (block 173), an imagingdevice 73 is triggered to capture the image (block 174). In thisembodiment, the requesting step could be performed, for example, througha human representative 74 such as a leader or conveyance driver, whocould earn a commission for each image sold. The continuous embodimentcould operate as above, with, again, a commission paid to the humanrepresentative 74 for each image sold. The resulting image could be madeavailable on-site or subsequently, and processed and transmitted asabove (block 175).

In a further embodiment 80,180 (FIGS. 9 and 10), a “roving photographer”81 is present at a site 82 visited by the customer 11 (block 181). Inthis embodiment of the method 180, a request is received from thecustomer 11 by the photographer 81 for an image to be taken of thecustomer 11 at the site 82 (block 182). The image is captured 83 (block183) and transmitted to a remote processor 84 (block 184). A proof imageof the image is transmitted from the remote processor 84 to thecustomer's communication device 13 (block 185), which can occursubstantially contemporaneously with the image-capturing step at thesite 82.

If the customer 11 decides to purchase the image (block 186), thetransaction is finalized by relaying payment data from the customer 11to the remote processor 84 (block 187), and a final image is transmittedimage to the customer 11 (block 188), such as over a network (e.g., theInternet) to a customer processor 85. In this scheme, the photographer81 receives compensation for the transaction (block 189).

In another embodiment of a method 200 for distributing a digital imageof a customer a “roving” photographer 91 is again used at a site 92(block 201; FIGS. 11A,11B, and 12). The photographer 91 can havereceived particular training in the method 200 and be equipped withequipment specific to the method 200, such as camera, computer,requisite cords, and wireless Internet access. This embodiment 200comprises the step of receiving a request from the customer 11 to the“roving” photographer 91 for an image to be taken of the customer 11 atthe site 92 (block 202). Again, the “roving” photographer is equippedwith a camera 93, which may comprise a digital still camera or a digitalvideo camera or other digital imaging device, that is able to access aremote processor 94, such as over the Internet via WiFi or some othersystem. An image, or a plurality of images, of the customer 11 iscaptured at the site 92 in response to the received request (block 203).The image(s) can comprise, for example, a digital still image or adigital video image comprising a sequence of frames.

In a particular embodiment, the photographer 91 is equipped with a stockof coded cards 97 and a barcode scanner 89. Alternatively, thephotographer 91 could print his/her own cards 97 after accessing theInternet to obtain unique indicia therefor. A customer 11 is given acard 97 having thereon indicia such as contact information 98 forordering and retrieving photographs, such as telephone number and/orwebsite, and unique identifier information such as, but not intended tobe limited to, a barcode 99 (block 204). Prior to giving the card 97 tothe customer 11, the photographer 91 can use an identifier detector,such as the barcode reader 89, to swipe the card's barcode 99 into thecamera. One of skill in the art will recognize that a plurality ofidentifier means could be used in the system 90, such as radio frequencyidentification or other means known in the art. If the embodiment usingthe printer 86 is used, there is no need to read in a barcode.

In an alternate embodiment, the system could include a subscriptionoption, wherein the customer 11 can become a member of the imagingorganization, with membership privileges. Membership privileges couldinclude, for example, some or an unlimited number of images for apredetermined time period, some or an unlimited number of images at apredetermined location, some other permutation thereof. In this case,the customer 11 could be provided with a “permanent” card 97 withhis/her unique identifier information. Further, a subscriber could usean associated website to automatically send images to a group of friendsor family, to automatically route images for printing to a specifiedlocation, or any other preference known in the art.

Once the photographer 91 has completed the image-capture process, thebarcode reader 89 (block 205) triggers via, for example, embeddedsoftware 88, the imaging device 93 to transmit the image(s) and theidentifier data via a network 87 such as the Internet to a remoteprocessor 94 under control of the imaging organization. The camera 93can be equipped, for example, with WiFi capability for transmittingdirectly to the Internet.

In yet another embodiment, the photographer 91 could have a portableprinter 86 provided that can print on demand a receipt 301 to take theplace of the card 97. The photographer 91 can use the printed receipt301 as a trigger for transmitting images as above.

In a particular embodiment, the image(s) can be uploaded in two steps:First, a limited-data-set version of the image (a “thumbnail”) istransmitted (block 206), since this process can occur quickly. Then, thefull-data-set image is transmitted in a batch (block 207), which willtypically take longer, and may require queuing. If desired, managementcould monitor the quality of the photographer's work by viewing thethumbnail images. The transmission software 88 can also be adapted toascertain the image size (block 231), in case the photographer 91 hasset the camera 93 settings incorrectly and the image size is too large.In this case, the transmission software 88 can automatically resize theimage for efficiency of transmission.

Then the customer 11, using the contact information 98, contacts theremote processor 94 having software 86 resident thereon for mediatingthe following transactions (block 208) and transmits the identifierinformation 99 (block 209). The identifier information 99 can betransmitted via a telephone keypad, for example, or via barcode or otherindicia recognition on a telephone equipped with a camera.Alternatively, facial recognition software could be used toautomatically identify the customer 11.

The customer 11 can have provided his/her own preferred method of beingcontacted or making contact. In one embodiment, the customer 11 can makea request to view the image(s) (block 210), the identifier information99 is matched to the image(s) (block 211), and a proof image istransmitted from the remote processor 94 to a customer device 13 (block212), which, as above, can include a cell phone, a computer, or any typeof web-connectable device. Preferably the image cannot be retained bythe customer 11 at this point, nor can the customer 11 transfer theimage in any way, and it will disappear after a predetermined amount oftime. In another embodiment, the customer 11 can be automatically sent atext message containing a link to the site at which the image(s) can belocated.

If the customer decides to purchase the image (block 213), a transactionis finalized by receiving payment data from the customer 11 (block 214);if the customer does not desire to purchase the image (block 213), theprocess terminates (block 215). If the image is purchased, and paymentis validated, the customer 11 can indicate where the final image shouldbe sent (block 216). Exemplary customer selections can include, forexample, the customer's own device, such as the mobile device 13 or ahome computer 95. The system 10 will automatically size the imagecommensurate with the device to which the image is being sent. If thecustomer 11 is a member, for example, a default customer preference maydictate that the image always be sent to a predetermined location.

Alternatively, the image can be sent to a commercial outlet 96 that isequipped to print or otherwise make an electronic copy of the image forsubsequent pick-up by the customer 11. This option can be attractive,for example, during travel, wherein the commercial outlet 96 cancomprise a retail store that has photographic printing equipment, or aspecialized kiosk situated in a hotel, or any other location accessibleby the traveler. Once the customer selection is made, the final image istransmitted to the desired location (block 217). The image could also bemade available through a third-party website that could be paid for sucha service, for example, a retail website. Further, a human intermediarycould be used to transmit the image to any Internet-connected printer,after having received instructions from the customer 11 to do so.

As discussed above, an option to request a complete album can beprovided, wherein the customer's own images can be formatted into aunified whole, with or without the addition of library images, forexample, of the location at which the images have been taken. If GPSdata are provided, the customer's images can be automatically insertedinto the album with the stock images. As will be understood by one ofskill in the art, the “album” could take the form of a physical entityor an electronic file. The photographer 91 can receive compensation as acommission on sales, for example. When the image is uploaded with theidentifier data, those data are associated with the photographer 91.Then, when the customer 11 makes payment, the photographer's commissioncan be credited to his/her account, or loaded onto a debit card, forimmediate or subsequent disbursal via means known in the art (block218).

As discussed above, the image can comprise a digital still or videoimage (block 219). If the image is a video clip, the proof comprises atleast a portion of the video clip, and the customer 11 can step throughthe video clip frame by frame (block 220) to select one or more stillimages therefrom (block 221), and/or he/she may elect to purchase theentire video clip (block 222). The video clip could be provided as anevent memento, such as at a wedding to the guests.

In a subembodiment of this system 90, rather than, or in addition to,soliciting payment from the customer 11 for a final image (block 223),revenue is generated at least in part by advertising. Here, along withthe proof image, an advertisement in the form of a still image and/or avideo clip is sent to the customer communication device 13 (block 224).Payment can be received from the advertiser 87 by, for example, trackingthe number of times the advertisement is transmitted (block 225), andbilling the advertiser at a predetermined rate therefor (block 226).

If a GPS sensor system 250 is in place, the position of the rovingphotographer 91 could be monitored at all times (block 227). Thephotographer's efficiency and success rate can also be monitored (block228) by calculating the number of image captures and cards scanned,which will give an idea of the photographer's productivity. Themanagement entity can track a plurality of photographers in real time,and also ensure that a particular area is not over- or under-covered byphotographers, and that each photographer is within a predeterminedarea. As stated above, the photographer's image quality can also bemonitored (block 229) by checking some proportion of the thumbnailstransmitted by the photographer. Audio clips 251 can also be transmittedand monitored (block 230) to ensure acceptable customer interactions.Management may also have the capability of listening to the photographerin real time via a microphone 251 in or associated with the camera 93.

If such monitoring is in place (blocks 227-230), the remote processor 94preferably also has the ability to disconnect the photographer 91 fromthe system 90 if deemed appropriate, which can be an important feature,especially in public places.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchwords are used for description purposes herein and are intended to bebroadly construed. Moreover, the embodiments of the apparatusillustrated and described herein are by way of example, and the scope ofthe invention is not limited to the exact details of construction.

Having now described the invention, the construction, the operation anduse of preferred embodiments thereof, and the advantageous new anduseful results obtained thereby, the new and useful constructions, andreasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled inthe art, are set forth in the appended claims.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A method for distributing a digital image of acustomer comprising the steps of: receiving a request from a customer toa human representative for an image to be taken of the customer at asite; capturing an image of the customer at the site in response to thereceived request; transmitting the image to a remote processor;receiving an electronic request from the customer to view thetransmitted image; transmitting the image and an advertisement from theremote processor to a customer communication device; receivingcompensation from a sponsor of the advertisement; and if the customerdecides to keep the image, providing the image to the customer andcompensating the human representative for the transaction.
 18. Thedigital image distribution method recited in claim 17, furthercomprising the step, following the image-request-receiving step, ofproviding the customer with an identifier code, and wherein: the step oftransmitting the image to the remote processor comprises transmittingthe image and the identifier code to the remote processor; and theelectronic-request-receiving step includes receiving the identifier codefrom the customer and matching the image with the identifier code. 19.The digital image distribution method recited in claim 18, wherein theidentifier-code-providing step comprises providing the customer with anindicia-bearing element including the identifier code and information onhow to request to view the image from the remote processor.
 20. Thedigital image distribution method recited in claim 19, wherein theindicia-bearing element comprises a card having imprinted thereon abarcode identifier, and wherein the identifier-code-transmitting stepcomprises reading the bar code electronically and transmitting theelectronically read barcode to the remote processor.
 21. The digitalimage distribution method recited in claim 18, wherein theidentifier-code-providing step comprises printing, subsequent to therequest-receiving step, an indicia-bearing element including theidentifier code and electronically associating the identifier code withthe customer for transmission along with the captured image to theremote processor.
 22. The digital image distribution method recited inclaim 18, wherein the identifier code is associated with the humanrepresentative, and further comprising the step, prior to thecompensating step, of matching the identifier code with the humanrepresentative.
 23. The digital image distribution method recited inclaim 17, wherein the image-capturing step comprises capturing aplurality of images, and wherein the step of transmitting the image to aremote processor comprises transmitting the plurality of images to theremote processor in a batch.
 24. The digital image distribution methodrecited in claim 17, wherein the step of transmitting the image to aremote processor comprises transmitting a first image comprising areduced-data-size image to the remote processor first, and then queuinga second image comprising a full-data image for subsequent transmittalto the remote processor.
 25. The digital image distribution methodrecited in claim 17, wherein the step of transmitting the image to thecustomer communication device comprises transmitting a proof image to amobile personal communication device.
 26. The digital image distributionmethod recited in claim 25, wherein the image-providing step comprisesat least one of transmitting the image to a customer communicationdevice and transmitting the image for printing to a commercial site forretrieval by the customer.
 27. The digital image distribution methodrecited in claim 17, wherein: the image-capturing step comprisescapturing a high-definition video image of the customer; the step oftransmitting the image to the customer communication device comprisestransmitting at least a portion of the video image; and furthercomprising the steps of: permitting the customer to step through thevideo image portion frame by frame; and permitting the customer toselect one or more frame for purchase.
 28. The digital imagedistribution method recited in claim 27, wherein the advertisementcomprises a video clip.
 29. The digital image distribution methodrecited in claim 27, further comprising the step of editing apre-created video clip into the captured image, and wherein theimage-providing step comprises providing the customer with a compositevideo image of the captured image and the pre-created video clip.